Science and Testing

Coppertone: A trusted name in sun care

Coppertone is committed to providing consumers with innovative, quality and safe sun care products based on science, rigorous testing and high standards.

Coppertone has been providing trusted, quality sun protection for more than 73 years through continuous innovation:

1944

Introduction of the first commercial sun care product U.S

1972

Coppertone pioneers an SPF system in the U.S., which later became the U.S. government and industry standard

2005

Coppertone revolutionizes the way we apply sunscreen with spray sunscreen

2017

Coppertone introduces a new form of sunscreen with Coppertone Whipped

GOING BEYOND WHAT’S REQUIRED

At Coppertone, our products are backed by science, real-world testing, and clinically relevant data. Our strength comes from our vast experience in making sunscreen products that meet stringent standards.

Testing, quality and safety methods that go above and beyond what's required
Improving transparency, so consumers can feel confident about the sunscreen they purchase
Innovation that continues to meet consumers’ changing expectations

FOR COPPERTONE, SUNSCREEN IS A SCIENCE

Because we’re committed to quality, excellence, innovation and truth in labeling, our products must pass a rigorous scientific testing process – one that goes above and beyond what the FDA requires - before it’s on your favorite store shelf.

CURIOUS ABOUT OUR TESTING?

View Full Infographic

At Coppertone, we’re meeting the changing expectations of consumers. For the first time in the sun care industry, we underwent an independent assurance assessment to validate our sunscreen testing methods and are sharing the results, so you can buy with confidence.

INDEPENDENT EXPERTS FOUND THAT COPPERTONE:

1. Complies with internal and all applicable external guidelines to ensure the quality, safety and efficacy of its products.
2. Accurately tests and implements quality assurance procedures.
3. Complies with quality, safety and efficacy requirements.

Want to see for yourself?

Learn more through these materials:

Read the full report (2018)
Read the full report (2017)

View Summary Infographic (2018)
View Summary Infographic (2017)

Sunscreen: Myth vs. Fact

Sunscreen is essential to protect your skin any time you’re in the sun. Since consumers may be receiving conflicting information about sun protection, we want to help you make informed, healthy choices based on science, data and facts. Learn the facts behind some sunscreen myths:

MYTH: There is no proof that sunscreens lower the risk of most forms of skin cancer

FACT: Not only is this false, it is dangerous. When used regularly with other sun protection measures, a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher can reduce the risk of skin cancer. Sun Protection measures include the following: 1) Limit time in the sun, especially from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and 2) Wear long-sleeve shirts, pants, hats, and sunglasses

MYTH: Applying sunscreen once will get you through the entire day

FACT: As indicated on all Coppertone product labels, Coppertone should be reapplied at least every 2 hours, after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating and immediately after towel drying. Most people only apply 25-50% of the recommended amount.

http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/29/3/249.full

MYTH: I don’t get a lot of sun

FACT: Incidental sun exposure is the kind of sun exposure that you may not be aware. It builds up over the years from brief everyday activities, such as dog walking and commuting. This accumulation over time can seriously damage your skin. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer during a lifetime. In addition, an estimated 90% of skin aging is caused by the sun.

2 http://www.skincancer.org/media-and-press/Press-Release-2011/autumn-has-arrived-but-the-sun-isnt-going-anywhere

3 Robinson, JK. Sun exposure, sun protection, and vitamin D. JAMA 2005; 294:1541-43

4 Taylor CR, Stern RS, Leyden JJ, Gilchrest BA. Photoaging/photodamage and photoprotection. J Am Acad Dermatol 1990; 22:1-15.

MYTH: My skin doesn’t burn

FACT: Sun damage occurs even when skin doesn’t turn red, and all skin types carry risk of skin cancer.

MYTH: Some ingredients used in sunscreen can be harmful to me and the environment.

FACT: Whether spending a day at the beach, running a race, or gardening in the backyard, our number one priority is to make sure you can enjoy your time outdoors with high quality sunscreen, like Coppertone. We’re fiercely committed to providing a range of effective sunscreen options and listen to what our consumers, like you, want from them. Whether that’s a sunscreen that stays on strong through heat or sweat or one that’s developed with your baby’s delicate skin in mind or one to help protect your kids racing to get outside.

What you want matters. That’s why our scientists have been actively working to develop new formulations of Coppertone (SPF 50 and less) that don’t include oxybenzone and octinoxate. Our goal is to have this completed by the summer of 2020. Oxybenzone and octinoxate are not scientifically proven to have an effect on the environment, but some of our consumers are asking for their removal and we are listening. It’s important that we can continue to offer a variety of options for you to choose from because regular use of sunscreen is scientifically proven to reduce the risk of skin cancer.

As for our sunscreens with an SPF higher than 50, well, that’s a little more complicated. Oxybenzone is a commonly used FDA-approved filter (that protects the skin from UV rays) to help to achieve high SPF. Manufacturers are working to promote the approval of new filters here in the United States (many of which are already available in Europe), and will continue to work with the FDA and others to make that happen.